PositiveLibrary Journal... thoroughly researched ... Interspersed with excerpts of French’s poems, Prendergast gives readers an inside look at what went on behind the writing ... This well-organized biography reads almost like historical fiction; readers are reminded that this is a true story when Prendergast inserts her witty intellectual commentary.
Farah Jasmine Griffin
PositiveLibrary JournalPart-memoir, part–literary study, this book has something for everyone ... Griffin includes excerpts and context from the texts, so readers don’t need to have read them (though Griffin encourages it). The book is organized thematically instead of chronologically, illustrating that the works often mirror contemporary Black experiences regardless of their age. Griffin writes evocatively about themes of joy, beauty, love, justice, mercy, and death, with concise language and varied sentence structures. When she describes her experience of her father’s death, the sentences are short and urgent, matching her worry and confusion; in the chapter on beauty, the sentences become more elegant and descriptive ... Griffin offers a personal exploration of literature that’s historical yet still relevant; readers of the works cited will be interested to learn Griffin’s interpretations.
Ed. by Halimah Marcus
RaveLibrary Journal\"All readers, whether they love riding or have never seen a horse up close, will appreciate these essays. This collection not only shares multiple perspectives from the communities of riders and horse fans but also provides commentary on growing up and dealing with both disappointments and successes.\
Aminatta Forna
PositiveLibrary JournalThe varied essay lengths give readers time to breathe in between, before they embark on another of Forna’s adventures ... These essays are raw, informative, and often entertaining; fans of essayists like Roxane Gay will devour this book quickly and be left wanting more of Forna’s stories.
Jonny Sun
RaveLibrary JournalReaders familiar with Sun will appreciate his relatable voice as he details what it is to live with anxiety and depression but to still feel happy sometimes as well as to grow up and change while feeling nostalgic for the past ... Readers of David Sedaris will devour this collection; the stories are short but packed with eloquent detail that will lead readers to reminisce on their own lives ... This poetic, humorous, and heartfelt collection will have readers nodding along, laughing, and maybe even crying, but more than anything they will be engrossed and craving more. Similar to Sun’s previous work, this is another standout.
Caz Frear
PositiveLibrary JournalThis is the third novel to feature Cat, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, readers who are interested in her backstory may want to start with the first two books; some of Cat’s quirks and her relationships with her dad and her boyfriend may be more clear. Much of the text is dialog between the detectives as they try to solve the case, but readers will also enjoy Cat’s humorous asides and sarcastic thoughts ... Frear creates an atmosphere of tension among the detectives and witnesses and in Cat’s personal life that will make readers want to devour this mystery in one sitting.
Lisa Jewell
RaveLibrary JournalIn Saffyre, Jewell creates a sarcastic and poetic character ... Suspense fans will devour this twisted tale of intricately interwoven characters. The many turns will surprise and keep readers thinking long after they’ve finished.
Debora L. Spar
PositiveLibrary JournalThis is a humanizing and unique take on technology is a necessary addition to the genre; Spar’s voice included with the history will keep readers engaged in what could otherwise be dry information.
Nicole Aschoff
PositiveLibrary JournalThe author discusses these societal implications through a left-leaning lens, but readers of all political persuasions can find something relatable here. This is not a historical or business analysis; rather, this work cites research as well as personal stories to show how smartphones have positively and negatively impacted society. In addition to the technology crowd, readers curious about sociology or psychology will enjoy Aschoff’s articulation of how dependent we have become on smartphones ... Aschoff introduces a creative and appealing way to discuss societal issues; this book will make readers contemplate their relationship with their phone and their own place in society.
Cliff Kuang
PositiveLibrary JournalBiographical information about some of the creators gives insight into how and why technologies were designed, grounding readers in storytelling rather than in technological jargon. By the end of the book, readers will have a better understanding of the ubiquitous term. Those interested in the backgrounds of technologies such as self-driving cars, the Facebook Like button, and even transportation systems will be intrigued to learn about their evolution ... Kuang and Fabricant offer accessible and thought-provoking insights into the ways that user-friendly design has influenced our lives, along with a contextual history of technology not available in many other books.
Iris Johansen
PositiveLibrary JournalWhile this installment is a part of a long-running series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The extended dialog that carries the narrative leads to strong characterization; readers will be able to understand the twisted motives and are not spared any detail, from the frightening to the mundane, as every element advances the plot to a heart-pounding conclusion ... A thriller with underlying political themes, this novel is sure to appeal to Eve Duncan enthusiasts as well as new readers of the series.
Raymond Strom
MixedLibrary JournalThis literary title has just enough mystery to keep readers engaged, but there are slow points with either too much detail or scenes that don\'t support the overall plot ... There are several story lines as all of the characters bring their own backstories and not all of the plot points wrap up nicely. In fact, a thread of unease runs through the novel, from the flawed characters to the small graffiti-ridden town itself ... This slow debut may leave readers unsatisfied with the characters\' choices and the ambiguous endings to some of their individual tales.
Andrew Michael Hurley
MixedLibrary JournalHurley\'s second novel...is poetically written and heavily detailed; however, it\'s greatly focused on setting and atmosphere, leaving the character development lacking. Also, John\'s omniscient narrative is distracting at times, as it\'s delivered from some point in the future ... While not as gripping as The Loney, the work\'s dark tone and slow buildup of suspense will still interest readers of gothic fiction.
